Author's note: This story was posted on Serebii's forums around 2008-09 and is one of my earliest Pokemon chaptered fanfics. It's the first journey-fic I've done for the fandom and that shows at points. I'm posting this mostly for nostalgia and storage, doing some limited edits, so the quality is not on the same level as current fics. Although I would love to know what you think of this.

I own a copy of Ruby, but not the copyrights.

Chapter 1: Applications

Name: Kiri Brown
Age: 16
Trainer ID: 014189
Hometown:Petalburg

Please attach proof of license, most recent school report, and referral form B to this application.

Answer the following questions to the best of your ability.

What is the purpose of the Pokemon Wizards?-To protect others and to monitor the magic of the world.

How should a Wizard treat a Trainer?-With respect; they're only a Wizard because a Guardian spirit came to them.

Why do you want to become a Pokemon Mage?-My father is a Pokemon Wizard, so I'd like to follow in his footsteps. But that's only one reason. Several years ago, I was attacked by a wild Gyarados. I want to protect others from this sort of accident since I was lucky enough to survive.

Kiri looked over the application, then stapled the other documents to it. In order to become a Wizard, she had to be a Mage. In order to become a Mage, she had to be approved by the League's Grand Wizard, Birch. He would want proof that the applicants had passed the standard Trainer's tests with high scores, to show they knew how to properly take care of Pokemon. He also needed proof of good character, thus the need for a reference. Although there were other hurdles to clear, it was best that this initial step was done right.

She placed the application in an envelope, then put that in her lap. Pushing away from her desk, she turned her red wheelchair around and left her room. She was paralyzed below her waist due to the Gyarados attack. But she never let that stop her from doing what she wanted. Dad would be disappointed if it did.

Careful not to roll over the sleeping Slaking in the living room, Kiri left her house. The sky was mellow with evening colors, murky blues and growing blacks. Lights were starting to turn on around Petalburg, casting a rippling shine on the town's two ponds. The ever-curious Marills poked their heads out of the water to see what the growing fuss was about. There was an awful lot of teenagers gathered in the town square. The day to apply was drawing to a close.

Name: Wally Chesterfield
Age: 17
Trainer ID: 332910
Hometown:Petalburg

Please attach proof of license, most recent school report, and referral form B to this application.

Answer the following questions to the best of your ability.

What is the purpose of the Pokemon Wizards?

-To keep peace between Pokemon and people.

How should a Wizard treat a Trainer?-Assist Trainers who ask for help or don't understand their Pokemon.

Why do you want to become a Pokemon Mage? -I want to be able to truly understand Pokemon and know how they feel about battling and living with people. I know this is a rare power even among magic users, but I hope I have what it takes.

Wally's stomach squirmed like he had Wurmples inside. Should he write more? Was that good enough? He wasn't even sure if he wanted to hand in this application. The job of a Pokemon Wizard had a lot of responsibility. He knew this because both of his parents were Wizards. His father had earned seven badges as a Mage; his mother earned eight and beat the Elite 4, only to be defeated by the reigning Magic Champion. They were both excited about Wally finally turning in an application.

Anyone from thirteen to eighteen years old could apply to become a Pokemon Mage. He put off applying until he was fifteen, then caught mono. At sixteen, he was still weakened by the drawn out disease. Now that his doctor had approved of his health, he was applying for the first time.

While his parents were looking forward to this, he wasn't. Wally didn't know if he could make a journey; he'd never walked for long distances before. He wasn't sure about going to an advanced school either. If any contagious disease passed through Petalburg, he always got sick from it, so an advanced school with dorms would be awful. In fact, he had no idea what to do now that he had graduated mandatory school.

After twirling his pale green hair around his fingers for a few minutes, thinking, he put the required documents in the envelope and sealed it. The hushed hum of enchanted gems accompanied his slow footsteps; they were filtering the air from possible allergens and germs. His father had been called away earlier to deal with a problematic Pokecenter, but his mother was sitting in the living room reading a newspaper. "Um, okay mom, I've got all the papers filled out," he said.

She pulled the paper back a little to smile at him. "Good. Now hurry along so you can turn them in with the others."

"R-right. I'll be back in a bit." He left his house and went to the grassy town square by the large pond.

Petalburg was often described as a quaint country town with many elegant gardens. The soil was rich, letting any plant flourish. As no one had imposed any orderliness on the town, the buildings were clustered together in where they fit best. Grassy lots littered with wildflowers sat in between these clusters. The main draw to outsiders was the Gym and that license had nearly left town. When the last Leader retired, most people in Hoenn thought Lilycove would get League approval instead. Fortunately, the man who was picked as the new Leader preferred Petalburg.

There was a crowd of teenagers at the largest grassy lot, all hoping to become a Mage tomorrow. 'I bet they don't realize how much work it is,' he thought.

"Hey, scrawny," one of the local boys called. "There's zero chance of you being picked, so forget about it." A boy by him laughed.

"He can apply if he wants to," Kiri said firmly, appearing without warning. "Now apologize or I'll run over your foot."

"I'm just telling the truth," the boy excused, but he made the mistake of looking down to see her glaring at him. "Sheesh, fine. Sorry Wally." He turned to his friend and added, "Let's leave Greenie and Little Miss Sunshine behind."

Wally smiled a bit. It was a mistake to call Kiri helpless, even though she had to get around in a wheelchair. She had strong arms, which some of the guys had learned in trying to tease her. "Thanks Kiri, even if I was just going to ignore him."

She rolled up to him. "No problem. Can't let them make fun of my friends. Anyhow, I'm so excited! I wanted to apply in Johto right as soon as I became thirteen, but Dad said to wait until I knew some more."

"Where is your Dad?"

"I was just looking for him. He's probably down over there." She pointed to a tent with Chinese lanterns hanging from it.

Before reaching that tent, however, Wally ran into another familiar face.

Name: Vincent Starmie
Age: 14
Trainer ID: 115932
Hometown: Lilycove

Please attach proof of license, most recent school report, and referral form B to this application.

Answer the following questions to the best of your ability.

What is the purpose of the Pokemon Wizards?

-To act as moderators between people and Pokemon and to protect others in times of danger.

How should a Wizard treat a Trainer?-Since a Wizard is essentially a Trainer as well, with equality and integrity

Why do you want to become a Pokemon Mage?-I wish to learn all about Pokemon: their natural habits, their lifestyles, their magic, their psychology, and their language.

It had to be right; it had to be accepted. Thinking over his application, filled out weeks ago, he tried to find any flaws. Vincent had picked every word and idea carefully to guarantee his being chosen tomorrow morning. He'd spent time researching the current Grand Wizard, Birch, and figuring out what he would most want to hear. For if he gave someone what they wanted to hear, he would always get what he wanted.

Except when it came to girls, he thought dismally. Vincent looked over his neighbors from Lilycove. The girls were all beautiful: tan from the beaches, dressed to the current fashion, and fit enough to be models. How could they do that, he often wondered. It seemed effortless on their part.

But he was a nerd and the label cursed him. No matter what he did, he grew into it: pale indoors skin, stringy brown hair, no aptitude for physical activities. Even his glasses. He tried to pick out something cool and wound up with blocky green frames that earned him the nickname Bug Face. How was someone named Bug Face supposed to get a girlfriend?

However, if he became a Mage, they would have to respect him. And why would they not choose him? He had the highest test scores of graduating seniors and he was only fourteen. He had the top scores for the Trainer's test as well. He just had to pass this little bit of formality and leave everything up to the immortals.

Which was something he didn't really like.

"Vincent!" a happy voice called. "Hi, good to see that you came."

He did smile at this old friend. "Hi Wally. I meant to come by after I dropped my application off." He noticed that the lavender-haired girl in a wheelchair was with him. She was cute, but not really outstanding like the Lilycove girls. "Who's this?"

"Oh, this is my new friend, Kiri. She moved in five months ago. Kiri, this is Vincent; we've been friends for years, but then his family moved to Lilycove."

Kiri smiled. "Hi there Vincent." She offered a hand, so he shook it. "Isn't that city far off? Why'd you come here?"

He looked over the crowd of teenagers. Teresa was nearby, Vincent noticed. Beautiful Teresa, who owned a stunning red bikini... and she hardly ever noticed him. Partly to ignore that, he answered Kiri's question. "Lilycove is the largest city in all of Hoenn, but we currently don't have a Gym. Since the applications have to be passed on by Gym Leaders, we have to come to other places. And since there's so many kids in Lilycove, some of us get sent as far as Rustboro. Anyhow, I asked to come here so I can see Wally again."

His old friend smiled. "Yeah, we've been writing letters for years. It's really good to see you again."

"Real good. So is Rei really gone? I heard there was a new Gym Leader here, but I can't seem to find him."

"Yeah, he had to retire after his heart attack. The new leader is Norman, Kiri's dad."

"There he is!" Kiri said in delight, heading off to a nearby bench.

Norman was organizing the dozens of applications he already had. A second Slaking of his was dozing off nearby, snoring softly. And his Guardian Pokemon, the one he had started as a Mage with, was sitting on the bench too. The icy blue Glaceon pricked her ears up when they came. She hopped off to get a pat from Kiri, who happily obliged.

Norman had to be a Master Wizard to be named a Leader, but one couldn't tell by looking at him. He had thinning black hair, lavender eyes, and the look of an average man. He dressed ordinarily too, in red sweatpants and a brown t-shirt. However, his appearance had to be a trick. An ordinary man couldn't become a Gym Leader.

"Right on time," Norman told the three teens. "Are your applications complete, with everything you need?"

"Yes sir," Vincent said, handing over his envelope first. He nervously pushed his hated bug green glasses back. "I spent hours getting everything just right."

"Hours?" Kiri asked, handing in hers next. "It was just three questions."

"But it's three very important questions. If you don't get them right, you won't be called on."

"There's no absolute right to those application questions," Norman pointed out. "And I doubt most people would give the 'wrong' answers."

Wally handed his in last. "So we'll hear tomorrow morning if we made it to the choosing?"

Norman nodded. "Right, tomorrow morning I'll have word of who goes. There, you will have to pass other tests to be accepted as a Mage. These tests are either pass or fail, so there's nothing you can do to prepare. But don't worry. If you're meant to be a Mage, you'll become a Mage."

"Magic won't deny what you deserve," Kiri told Wally. "It'll give you just what you need."

He looked down at the ground meekly. "I suppose it does."

"But you can tweak things just right so that you get what you want too," Vincent added. "At least, I hope so. I've been studying about how individual Pokemon differ, and I figure if I just got the right one..." he closed his eyes and mumbled some idea he was working through.

"Every person and every Pokemon has potential to shine," Norman said. "You just need to find your own way. Now, let's send these applications off." He gathered some magic in his hands and passed them on to the envelopes. A wing symbol appeared where he enchanted them. "Time to fly, letters. Go to Grand Wizard Birch."

A sparkling tan aura appeared around the applications. They floated off the Leader's hand. After pulling them back, he made a motion of flinging them into the sky. The envelopes took to the air in a flash, seeking out their recipient.

Kiri tried to watch them, but her father's magic worked too fast. And now to wait. "I dunno if I can sleep tonight. I want it to be tomorrow already!"

Norman laughed and messed up her hair. "A little eager, aren't we sport? Be patient. The time will come. And you'd best get a good night's sleep. It could be a big day for all of you tomorrow."

Reluctantly, they all went back to their homes to wait.

Birch was an old friend of Norman, and one of the reasons he'd gotten called out of Johto to be a Gym Leader in Hoenn. He had offered them a large and accommodating home in Littleroot, but Norman would have none of that. He wanted his family nearby. Thus, they were in this old home, red and orange like all the others in Petalburg. It needed many renovations to be handicapped accessible, but they had done such things before.

"Did Kiri come back?" Norman asked as he and Laura came in the door.

His wife Samantha was sitting on the couch, reading. "No, she went over to Wally's house for a little while. At least we know that Bethany won't let them stay up too late."

"Yeah." He sat down by her. Laura hopped up on the couch beside him and was soon half-asleep. "Well, she's going to be gone whether she gets chosen tomorrow or not."

"I hope she is ready. It's rough out there even for able-bodied people."

He put his arm around her shoulders. "Don't worry. We've taught her well and she's got perseverance when she puts her mind to it. If she'd just be more attentive to the future and not just to whatever seems good for today."

Samantha put her head on his shoulder. "You're still worried about her."

He tightened his grip for a moment. "More than when she first went to school, because at least then we knew where exactly she was going."

They sat quietly together for several minutes. Then Samantha put her hand over Norman's. "Since we're going to be alone for a time, how about we plan a romantic date for the next free day you have?"

He smiled warmly. "That sounds like a great plan." Then he kissed her.

It was too early in the morning. Aside from a few safety lights and some nighttime Pokemon, Petalburg was quiet. Even the invading hiss was quiet.

The hiss of a strange Pokemon slid by the charming houses. Things became strange when it touched them. A thornless white rose grew thorns and turned pink. Concrete stepping stones turned to brick. A maple sapling turned into a hickory sapling. These things could be done by magic, but they took extraordinary power and ability to do right. The strange Pokemon changed things with little effort.

It was hunted, but it sensed an opportunity. There was a chance, a small one, that great things could happen. This chance started here. And if there was a chance, it could make anything happen. Anything.

It just had to wait for the right moment and the right one.

Pokenav Extra

People

Norman Brown
Job: Petalburg Gym Leader, Master Wizard
Battle strategy: Build a powerful offense
Hobby: Fishing
Secret: As tough as he is on his Gym Trainers, he's far tougher on himself.

Samantha Brown
Job: Contest Judge (part-time)
Contest strategy: Go with what your Pokemon love doing
Hobby: Cooking
Secret: She can't stand cleaning a freshly killed fish, so her husband does it for her.

Bethany Chesterfield
Job: Pokemon Habitat Researcher
Battle strategy: Hold items can make or break a battle
Hobby: beaded jewelry
Secret: She's obsessive about cleaning, but tries to hide it.

Pokemon

Slaking (5)
Trainer: Norman
Team: Second/Third Tier Gym Challenge
Nature: Lax
Likes: naps
Dislikes: oatmeal

Slaking (4)
Trainer: Norman
Team: Third/Fourth Tier Gym Challenge
Nature: Jolly
Likes: jelly beans
Dislikes: the smell of vinegar

Laura (Glaceon/Guardian)
Partner: Norman
Team: Currently Inactive
Nature: Adamant
Likes: her human family
Dislikes: jalapenos and hot sauce

The majority of chapters have these Pokenav entries with them. It's mostly fun little trivia about this AU Pokemon world. Info on stuff like tiers and spells will come later, either in story or in the Pokenav.